When Is Eid al-Adha 2025?
Eid al-Adha 2025 corresponds to 10 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH. Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to fall on Friday, 6 June 2025.
Eid al-Adha 2025 Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 Dhul Hijjah (Start of sacred month) | Wednesday, 28 May 2025 |
| 8 Dhul Hijjah β Day of Tarwiyah | Wednesday, 4 June 2025 |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah β Day of Arafah (Recommended fast) | Thursday, 5 June 2025 |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah β Eid al-Adha | Friday, 6 June 2025 |
| Days of Tashreeq (11β13 Dhul Hijjah) | 7β9 June 2025 |
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha ("Festival of the Sacrifice") commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah ο·». Before Ibrahim could carry out the act, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, teaching humanity the ultimate lesson of devotion and trust in God.
Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage β the fifth pillar of Islam β when millions of Muslims gather in Mecca. For non-pilgrims around the world, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with prayer, sacrifice (Qurbani), charity, and family gatherings.
The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
The Prophet ο·Ί said: "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days [of Dhul Hijjah]." This makes the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah among the most virtuous days of the year β even more so than the last 10 nights of Ramadan in terms of their overall excellence.
Recommended actions in these 10 days:
- Increase Dhikr (Tahleel, Tahmeed, Takbeer, Tasbih)
- Fast as many days as possible (especially the 9th β Day of Arafah)
- Read Quran abundantly
- Give charity generously
- Avoid cutting hair and nails if intending to perform Qurbani
Day of Arafah: Fasting & Worship
The Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) is the holiest day of the year. The Prophet ο·Ί said: "Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an expiation for two years: the year before and the year after." (Muslim)
For non-pilgrims, it is strongly recommended to fast on 5 June 2025. Pilgrims do not fast as they are performing the rituals at the Plain of Arafah.
Qurbani: The Sacrifice
Qurbani (also called Udhiyah) is a sacrifice of a livestock animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) performed during Eid al-Adha and the Days of Tashreeq (11β13 Dhul Hijjah). It is obligatory (according to the Hanafi school) or a confirmed Sunnah (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) for every adult Muslim who possesses the Nisab (minimum wealth threshold).
Qurbani Rules
- Age of animal: Sheep/goat β at least 1 year old; Cow/buffalo β at least 2 years old; Camel β at least 5 years old
- Shares: A sheep or goat counts as 1 share (for 1 person). A cow or camel has 7 shares
- Health: The animal must be free from obvious defects (no severe lameness, blindness, or illness)
- When to slaughter: After the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijjah up to sunset on 13 Dhul Hijjah
- Meat distribution: Divide into thirds β one third for yourself, one third for relatives, one third for the poor
Qurbani Abroad: Donating Through Charities
If you cannot perform Qurbani yourself, you may donate through Islamic charities who perform the sacrifice in countries where the need is greatest (e.g., Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa, Palestine). Many UK and USA charities set Qurbani prices around Β£30βΒ£50 (small share).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (the month of fasting), while Eid al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice. Eid al-Adha is considered the greater of the two Eids and lasts 4 days (10β13 Dhul Hijjah).
Can I fast on Eid al-Adha?
Fasting on the day of Eid (10 Dhul Hijjah) itself is forbidden. However, you should fast on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah). Fasting is also not recommended during the Days of Tashreeq (11β13 Dhul Hijjah).
Do I need to pray Eid prayer for Eid al-Adha?
Yes, the Eid prayer for Eid al-Adha is the same as for Eid al-Fitr: 2 Rak'ahs with additional Takbeers, followed by two Khutbahs. It should ideally be performed in congregation at the mosque or a large prayer ground.
